As VR continues to grow in popularity, so does its number of zombie games. Already a popular genre, it’s only become more so as everyone races to release the new Left 4 Dead. Except Valve, of course. This being no different in VR, there already being plenty of similar experiences available. Including Arizona Sunshine, which was made by the same developers who made this game. After the Fall is one of VR’s most blatant Left 4 Dead clones yet, but in, my opinion, it is one of the most fun as well. As a matter of fact, I’d say this could very well be another must-buy VR title. 

If you know how Left 4 Dead plays, then you know how After the Fall plays. You play in a four player squad, made up of either other players or AI. And for the record, I found squad AI here way better than in other games. They know how to heal both themselves and you, and won’t immediately rush into zombie hordes and die. A real player is still better, but sometimes not by much. You and this squad will fight through a linear level filled to the brim with zombies. Ammo and item management is key, as is finding refuge in intermittent safehouses sprinkled throughout the level. 

Much like Left 4 Dead, there’s plenty of variety. Enemy variety is much the same as Left 4 Dead, and you’ll see all the usual types here. Weapon variety and customization is pretty impressive too, though not quite as expansive as Left 4 Dead. Still for a VR clone, it’s definitely a lot of fun to experiment with. And as far as items and perks go, there’s enough to keep gameplay fresh and your inventory full. But no more than that, and it’s here I feel the game comes up shortest. But since I don’t play these kinds of games for individual progression, it’s hardly a damning mark against it. You have your molotovs, your grenades, and your health packs. What more do you need? There’s also plenty of unlockables hidden through each level. So plus one for replayability! 

What impressed me most about After the Fall was model design and the game’s atmosphere. It’s very easy to panic in VR, especially when your brain is tricked into thinking what’s going on is real. Zombie design is grotesque and downright creepy, especially with the way they move. Coupled with the great environment design, sound effects, and music and it creates a game with some genuinely unnerving moments. The fact that the actual gameplay was also quite fun meant I was hooked for far longer than I thought I would have. It’s a great example of how all elements of a game can come together beautifully. 

After the Fall was a game I was already looking forward too. I like Left 4 Dead clones, and I love VR. It was made by a developer with previous experience in both, so I figured it had a good chance of being quite fun. Even then though, the game still impressed on every level. Game design, both in gameplay and graphics, did exactly what they set out to do. Is it particularly innovative or forward thinking? Not really, but at the same time that’s not what I signed up for. If you want a fun atmospheric VR Left 4 Dead clone with solid gameplay and a decent spread of content and replayability? Then After the Fall is your game.  

Graphics: 8.0 The game looks and runs very well on the Oculus Quest 2, and the zombies are especially creepy and unnerving in VR.	Gameplay: 9.0 The gameplay is just a blast, it’s basically Left 4 Dead in VR, and done very, very well.
Sound: 7.5 Sound design is pretty well done for the most part, as is the voice acting.	Fun Factor: 8.0 Gunplay is fun, level design is solid, AI is some of the smartest I’ve ever seen in a game of the genre, and it’s just one of those games that does exactly what it intends.
Final Verdict: 8.0

After the Fall is available now on Oculus Quest and PC.

Reviewed on Oculus Quest 2.

A copy of After the Fall was provided by the publisher.